The Bureau of Land Management Vernal Field Office held a grand opening celebration for the McCoy Flats Campground on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The event was part of the Freedom 250 celebration to mark America's 250th anniversary and the Department of the Interior's commitment to expanding outdoor recreation on public lands.
The celebration took place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the McCoy Flats Campground, located approximately 7 miles southwest of Vernal, Utah. The program included remarks, a ribbon cutting, tours, and refreshments.
Located next to the McCoy Flats Mountain Bike Trail System, the new campground was designed to meet growing recreation demands in the Vernal area. Access to the campground involves a road that transitions from a mostly paved road to a highly compacted dirt road, though neither high clearance nor 4x4 vehicles were required for access.
The McCoy Flats Campground serves as a signature Freedom 250 event for the Bureau of Land Management Utah. The agency's mission includes sustaining the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
